Fractures and dislocations: ceramic bearing: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Fractures and dislocations: ceramic bearing

Sample item

Which problem is characteristic of a ceramic-on-ceramic hip bearing rather than a metal-on-metal bearing?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Squeaking and brittle fracture of the ceramic

Ceramic bearings have very low wear, but ceramic is hard and brittle. Complications are fracture of the head or liner and audible squeaking. Metal-on-metal bearings release metal ions and cause adverse local tissue reactions and pseudotumours.

Option by option

  • A. High volumetric wear of polyethylene

    Polyethylene wear is a feature of metal-on-polyethylene bearings.

  • B. Fretting at the taper causing galvanic corrosion

    Taper corrosion is a feature of modular metal junctions, not ceramic surfaces.

  • C. Squeaking and brittle fracture of the ceramic (correct)

    Correct. Brittleness gives ceramic fracture, and squeaking is a recognised problem.

  • D. Raised serum cobalt and chromium with pseudotumour formation

    Metal ion release and pseudotumour belong to metal-on-metal bearings.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Squeaking and brittle fracture of the ceramic. Ceramic bearings have very low wear, but ceramic is hard and brittle.

Why is "High volumetric wear of polyethylene" not the answer?

Polyethylene wear is a feature of metal-on-polyethylene bearings.

Why is "Fretting at the taper causing galvanic corrosion" not the answer?

Taper corrosion is a feature of modular metal junctions, not ceramic surfaces.

Why is "Raised serum cobalt and chromium with pseudotumour formation" not the answer?

Metal ion release and pseudotumour belong to metal-on-metal bearings.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: ceramic bearing in Orthopaedics. Complications are fracture of the head or liner and audible squeaking. Metal-on-metal bearings release metal ions and cause adverse local tissue reactions and pseudotumours.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Fractures and dislocations: ceramic bearing?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.